Syracuse earns their first win in the new year defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers 80-72. The Orange improves to 9-10 on the season and 2-7 in the conference.
It was a back and forth game for forty minutes with nine different lead changes. Pittsburgh put up the first two baskets and Syracuse quickly answered by putting up two field goals of their own.
All five starters for the Orange scored in the first five minutes and finished the game in double figures. Each player also tallied for at least two steals.
“Every time all five of us score in double digits, we win,” Naje Murray said.
The last time all five starters scored in double digits for the Orange was back on December 18th against UMBC, which was also Syracuse’s last win coming into this game.
After struggling the last two games, Chrissy Carr doubled her points from her last two games and finished with 19. She led all scores.
With 6:45 remaining in the second quarter, Alaysia Styles took a charge and was slow to get up. Styles received medical attention from trainers and was helped up off the floor. She returned to the floor with just over four minutes to go before half time. She finished the day with 16 points, tying a season high.
The Panthers took the lead with just under five minutes left in the second quarter to make it 31-28. Chrislyn Carr responded making a three pointer followed by a layup to give the Orange back the lead. Syracuse never trailed again.
The Panthers easily won the rebound battle, out rebounding Syracuse 62-39. Pittsburgh’s Rita Igbokwe led the team with ten rebounds. She was just one point away from a double double.
PIttsburgh guard Litau King was injured with just under two minutes to play in the fourth. She was helped off the court and into the locker room. King did not return to the game.
Pittsburgh struggled shooting from behind the arc. After going 0-7, the Panthers made their first three with just under eight minutes in the third quarter. Pittsburgh finished shooting 2-21 from three.
On the other hand, Syracuse was efficient shooting three. The Orange tallied 12 three pointers. The last time Syracuse had double digits three pointers was in December in their 40 point win over Clemson.
Sunday’s game recognized National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which is celebrated during the first week of February. Multiple Syracuse Women’s teams were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes.
Now that Syracuse secured their first win in 2022, they will look to check off another box and get their first road win of the season. They will travel to Miami on Thursday and face the Hurricanes. Tip off at 7 p.m. eastern on ACC Network Extra.